In this photo taken Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, farmer Fernando Amis, explains how Cyclone Idai ruined his home and destroyed his possessions on the outskirts of Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. When the cyclone roared through central Mozambique in March, it left some 200,000 people homeless and destroyed about 2 million acres of crops. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Thousands in Mozambique rebuild after devastating cyclones

August 26, 2019 - 5:43 am

The Associated Press

VINHO, Mozambique (AP) — When Cyclone Idai roared through central Mozambique in March, it made some 200,000 people homeless and destroyed about 2 million acres of crops.

Weeks later, a second cyclone hit northern Mozambique, the first time since record-keeping began that two major cyclones hit the southern African country in one year. Together the storms affected 3 million people, according to the U.N.

Five months later, tens of thousands of Mozambicans are busy rebuilding their homes, fields and lives with assistance from international aid organizations, the Mozambican government and Gorongosa National Park.

When Cyclone Idai first hit, the park responded by buying food and supplies on the local market and delivering it to flooded families living nearby. The park is supported by the Gorongosa Restoration Project, a non-profit group that cooperates with Mozambique's government.